National Feb 11, 2021
Osaka drops plan to open casino resort by March 2027 due to pandemic
The target for the plan, set in 2019, will not be mentioned in a soon-to-be adopted policy as a number of companies have fallen behind in their preparations.
National Feb 5, 2021
One year after the Diamond Princess outbreak, COVID-19 lessons still to be learned
by Ryusei Takahashi
The outbreak of COVID-19 on a cruise ship anchored off Yokohama last February provided an early test of Japan’s defenses against a deadly virus that would later go on to upend our lives.
National | FYI Jan 25, 2021
With bid policy set, localities in Japan roll dice on casinos
by Eric Johnston
Areas interested in submitting proposals now have a clear schedule of when they can do so, and a better understanding of what they can and can’t do during the selection process.
National Jan 11, 2021
Virus casts shadow over once-in-a-lifetime coming-of-age ceremonies
by Ryusei Takahashi
Annual rite of passage for Japan's 20-year-olds would have been celebrated in style, with decadent kimonos, childhood reunions and all-night after-parties, were it not for COVID-19.
National Jan 7, 2021
The emergency declaration was set to come a day after the number of new infections in a day in Japan exceeded 6,000 for the first time.
National Nov 30, 2020
Life-size moving Gundam statue unveiled to media in Yokohama
Visitors can climb to observation decks from 15 meters to 18 meters high on the Gundam-Dock Tower to have close-up views of the anime icon.
National Oct 31, 2020
Spectator cap raised at Yokohama Stadium for high-tech anti-virus experiment
The flow of people in the roofless stadium and the percentage of those wearing masks will be studied using NEC Corp.'s high-tech facial recognition technology.
National Oct 15, 2020
Yokohama Stadium to be packed with 27,000 to test virus measures
Officials said they would monitor the flow and density of spectators during the three-day trial, as well as how many wear masks, using high-precision cameras.
National Oct 9, 2020
Hold your bets: Japan to delay taking bids to host casino resorts
The decision will also affect the opening of such facilities, originally scheduled for the mid-2020s.
National Sep 17, 2020
Japan's new first lady is a devoted wife who shuns the spotlight
Mariko Suga's quiet demeanor is in stark contrast to that of Akie Abe, a socialite who frequently posted on social media.
National Sep 17, 2020
Australian restaurateur behind Suga's favorite pancakes hopes to cook at PM's place
"I trust someone who enjoys their food, and especially enjoys their pancakes," restaurateur Bill Granger said.
National / Crime & Legal Sep 7, 2020
Tokyo man arrested for kidnapping 9-year-old girl he met via online game
The girl is believed to have communicated with the man via the game's voice chat function on when and where to meet.